Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-19 - Faendryl Tristar Arrive in Ta'Illistim Hunting Sorcerous Fugitives (log)

Synopsis

The Tristar of Daesavreh arrive at the gates of Ta'Illistim, tracking a human sorcerer and his Faendryl wife, who are responsible for attacking a settlement at Mreanith Lake with a vathor and undead. The Tristar are fugitive hunters who work on commission from the Basilica, essentially Faendryl bounty hunters contracted by the government. In other words, they do not represent the Basilica, but are working for the Basilica. This group consists of Lihukshi Daesavreh the "Watcher" (who is the tracker using a vulture named Kristuh), and her twin cousins, Palestra Blade Auait Daesavreh and sorcerer Anieit Daesavreh. They have been tracking the pair for over two months. This began in Behizet, then the eastern jungles, up to near Barrett's Gorge, then by Feywrot Mire, then near Shadow Guard and north of Mreanith Lake. The Tristar would later reveal that the human is a demonologist named Henshor, and his Faendryl wife is a necromancer called Enomna the Betrayer.

They wished to hunt the fugitives in Illistim sovereign lands, but sought permission from the Illistim government, trying to avoid a political incident of breaking treaty terms as the Faendryl now have an embassy in Ta'Illistim. Lord Aertinus had their request brought to Murstyr Javilerre, Commander of the Sapphire Guard, and the Mirror Myasara agreed to hold court to hear them. The Tristar wish to apprehend the fugitives for themselves.

They were brought to the Green of Ta'Illistim and afterwards left to stay at the Faendryl embassy, where Ambassador Tredohal Hashier Faendryl would advise them on protocol, and how to behave for the customs of Illistim court. Lihukshi made reference to directions to the embassy from a Harrower, which is a member of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild, but it is not established who that was as the only Harrower during the storyline was Xociral who later arrived at the embassy unexpectedly and did not know where he was before being told.

Though Lihukshi said there are things they only "surmise" versus what they know as fact, the Tristar were not being entirely forthcoming with information. A few nights later Lihukshi revealed that Enomna the Betrayer was a previously known wanted criminal to them, who had reanimated the recently deceased mother of Patriarch Korvath Dardanus Faendryl trying to lure his young son away in an apparent kidnapping attempt. This is why she is called "the Betrayer." Given the nature of this crime, and the past history of Faendryl demonic summoning in Ta'Illistim, it was potentially volatile politically.

Later:

In the next court session the Tristar say they had been following desert rumors of a human sorcerer misusing demonic summoning without safeguards, which led them to Behizet, where they found he was shadowed by a Faendryl woman which turned out to be his wife. They discovered essentially by accident that this was Enomna, who they had not been able to catch earlier in the year as they were not in Ta'Faendryl at the time of the incident. When the Mirror gives them permission under some conditions, adventurers help hunt down Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist. They are both killed, but Enomna is resurrected. Enomna is temporarily held in custody by the Sapphire Guard, and appears in Illistim court, where Myasara ultimately honors her commitment to turn Enomna over to the Basilica.

NPCs:

• Lihukshi (Faendryl Tristar, watcher/tracker)
• Auait (Faendryl Tristar, Palestra Blade)
• Anieit (Faendryl Tristar, sorcerer)
• Aertinus (Illistim guard)

Enomna the Betrayer Storyline:

• 01/21/2023: Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-21 - Ta'Illistim Court Session (log)
• 01/22/2023: Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)
• 01/24/2023: Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-24 - Enomna in Ta'Illistim Court (log)

Log

Background noise has been removed this, as well as whispers, but most of the personal actions have been kept. Most of what happened is here but it is missing a little from the NPCs at the beginning.

[Ta'Illistim, City Gate]
A cavernous opening in the cliff's steep face dominates the crest of the hillside, serving as the nearly impenetrable entrance to the great city built by House Illistim. A raised gate is barely visible at the top of the stony maw. Intricately carved columns flank the entrance, their crowns adorned with delicate silvered glyphs and toothily grinning gargoyles. Staked torches nearby cast an amber glow across the glyphs, highlighting their curves and contours with an eerie grace. You also see a starlit doorway, a petite lucent gold lightning wyrdling, a tiny angular lilac-point kitten, a yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake sprouting snowball hydrangeas, the web-draped Missoni disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, a melancholy wasteland spirit that is flying around, a lazy wild smoky grey dog, a frost-edged pale cerulean crystal, a translucent pale ivory crystal, a fiery deep crimson crystal and a frost-edged pale cerulean crystal.
Also here: Lord Bigsword, Xorus, Salcy, Lady Ysaeril, Jiarine, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Akenna, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Lady Uniana, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Lord Teveriel, Meril, Tikba, Perigourd, Missoni, Rose Guardian Cylnthia, Sorcerer Anieit, Blade Auait, Lihukshi, Lord Aertinus
Obvious paths: southwest

Aertinus says, "I see."

Jiarine asks, "Tracking what?"

Lihukshi nods at Jiarine.

Aertinus says, "I will need to send word to the Commander, this is rather unorthodox."

You see Lihukshi Daesavreh the Watcher.
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf.
She is tall and has a compact, lithe frame. She appears to be very young. She has violet-haloed azurite blue eyes and dusky ebon skin. She has long, glossy raven black hair streaked with bone white strands that is woven into twin herringbone braids and nape-coiled into a knotwork chignon sprouting an array of vulture feathers. She has a thin face, an aquiline nose and a subtle sharpness in her countenance that is enhanced by her high cheekbones and upswept ears.
She has a tracery of yellow oleander vines encapsulating three ravens tattooed along the collarbone, and an ouroborous-encircled bone white pentacle inked beneath the hollow of her right ear.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a reticulated collar of lacquered lor segments, a single left-sided sculpted pauldron trailing wrist-to-shoulder scaling, a wasp-figured black corset over a wide-necked blouse of pewter-on-corbeau blue bourde, a multi-wrapped narrow suede belt studded in cobalt, an expose-stitched ivory scroll tube, a pair of side-laced weathered leather pants, a slender blue-banded black thigh-sheath, and a pair of back-laced dark antiqued blue knee-boots.

Lihukshi says, "That is appreciated."

Lihukshi asks, "May we enter your city?"

You see Sorcerer Anieit Daesavreh.
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf.
He is very tall and has wiry frame. He appears to be mature. He has mismatched jade green and smoky purple eyes and desaturated, pale brown skin. He has waist-length, ebon-streaked ashen grey hair twined into a reverse braid caged within a sun-bleached snake skeleton. He has a long, sharply angled face and a flared nose. A spray of needle-thin quills dramatically fans out around his right ear, extending past the upswept, stud-pierced point.
He has an ouroboros-encircled jade pentacle inked across his throat, and a tracery of yellow oleander vines encapsulating three ravens tattooed along his collarbone.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a navel-buttoned dark claret longcoat side-slit to the hips, a glass-beaded lariat neck chain suspending a roughly cut despanal, an open-chested charcoal bourde robe edged in metallic bronze arabesques, a segmented vaelfyren talon ring, and a pair of oiled leather boots thrice-buckled with pyrographed lor.

Auait gazes at the gathered crowd and whispers to Anieit.

Aertinus says, "All who come in peace may enter."

Anieit says, "Unorthodox, maybe, but in your best interest, given our quarry."

Jiarine says, "Many of us here call the cities home."

Lihukshi letting her hands fall to her side, she opens them palms facing forward.

Lihukshi says, "We bare no weapons."

Perigourd glances skeptically at Lihukshi.

Meril says, "There are... two possible things a party such as this might be tracking all the way to the city, I think. I suppose we shall hear of it soon."

Speaking in Elven to Anieit, Cylnthia inquires, "And what is your quarry?"

Teveriel murmurs, "Interesting. It must be some quarry indeed to bring them so far from home."

Perigourd glances appraisingly at Auait.

Auait surreptitiously glances at Perigourd.

Aertinus says, "'there is an embassy here, perhaps Ambassador Trehodal will have accomodations for me."

Auait sheathes a triskele-hilted stygian hunting knife into one of the small scabbards sewn inside of her stygian wool shroud.

Auait sheathes a despanal-set onyx hunting knife into one of the small scabbards sewn inside of her stygian wool shroud.

Perigourd nods thoughtfully.

Anieit glances at Auait.

Anieit nods at Auait.

Lihukshi turns to face Anieit.

Auait rests her hands across her hips, turning her palms upward.

Perigourd chuckles to himself.

Speaking to Anieit, Lihukshi says, "It is best if I just present now, it may make things go faster."

Anieit scowls at Lihukshi.

Speaking quietly to Anieit, Lihukshi asks, "Please, cousin, do you want them or not?"

Anieit waves a dismissive hand, but quiets down.

Aertinus asks, "Do you wish an escort into the city? Are you looking for something that I can help you with?"

Lihukshi says, "We have been tracking for most of two months and they have brought us here. We believe we are close."

Jaysehn asks, "What is the 'they', exactly?"

Jiarine says, "Speaking in circles is not helping your cause."

Speaking to Uniana, Aendir asks, "It seems I've happened upon an unexpected gathering, hm?"

Lihukshi asks, "May we pass through the gates out of the road so as not to frighten your children or elderly?"

Aendir smiles.

Aertinus says, "Do you wish to go straight to the embassy or perhaps the Dais or Green? Those are places where people gather."

Anieit frowns at Jiarine.

Salcy agrees with Aendir.

Speaking to Aendir, Teveriel says, "Something to that effect, Lord Silithyr."

Jaysehn gives a quick nod and tips his hat to Aendir.

Aendir nods respectfully at Jaysehn.

Aendir bows to Teveriel and takes his arm.

Lihukshi says, "Whichever you feel best to converse."

Speaking in Elven, Cylnthia suggests, "I'd say the Green may be a better place, perhaps, than the Dais."

Akenna says, "The green has refreshement."

Aertinus says, "All may enter. I will inform the Keep of your request."

Akenna says, "I'm sure that is welcome."

Ysaeril furrows her brow.

Cylnthia agrees with Akenna.

Akenna says, "After a long journey."

Akenna smiles.

Lihukshi nods at Aertinus.

Aertinus says, "There are many here familiar with the Green."

Aendir glances skeptically around the area.

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Uniana nods encouragingly at Missoni.

Missoni offers, "I could escort you, if you like."

Lihukshi says, "Is there someone that can guide..."

Lihukshi nods.

Uniana kindly offers, "Missoni Sabretache Faendryl, she is quite familiar with the City."

Anieit examines Missoni closely, sizing her up and taking note of all the details.

Lihukshi joins Missoni's group.

Speaking in Elven to Missoni, Cylnthia asks, "Might I join you as well?"

Auait joins Missoni's group.

(everyone joins Missoni)

Speaking to Cylnthia, Missoni exclaims, "Of course!"

Speaking to Aertinus, Lihukshi says, "Thank you. We will await your response."

Missoni casually observes her surroundings.

Missoni nods approvingly.

Aendir smiles.

Missoni smiles.

Missoni says, "We shall walk, then."

Aertinus says, "I will inform the Commander of your request."

Aertinus nods at Lihukshi.

Speaking quietly in Faendryl to Anieit, Auait says, "The longer we dally the larger the distance between us."

Lihukshi says, "Thank you."

(traveling to the Green)

Missoni makes her way down a walkway, passing beneath an arch and out of sight.
[Ta'Illistim Green]
At the southern end of the green, the expanse of carefully manicured lawn is broken up by a low pool, set flush to the ground and surrounded with a ring of cut stone socles. Beyond the statuary, the grass continues until hitting a low silver fence. You also see a lazy wild smoky grey dog, a sterling silver serving cart with some stuff on it and some cushioned benches.
Also here: Xorus, Lady Ysaeril, Jiarine, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Akenna, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Lady Uniana, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Lord Teveriel, Meril, Tikba, Perigourd, Rose Guardian Cylnthia, Sorcerer Anieit, Blade Auait, Lihukshi, Lord Bigsword, Master Aendir, Salcy, Missoni
Obvious paths: north

Missoni flounces across a cast-silver clematis gate amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

Missoni states, "Here is the green."

Missoni swipes her hands through the air in a broad, sweeping gesture.

Anieit brushes some wayward glitter off of his longcoat, a scowl pulling at the corners of his lips.

Uniana reaches out and touches a sterling silver serving cart.

Perigourd chuckles.

Akenna flashes a wide grin.

Uniana serenely offers, "And some refreshments after your journey."

Tikba appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Missoni agrees, "And benches, if you should like to rest."

Auait scans the spanse of the green carefully.

Auait joins Lihukshi's group.

Aendir says, "I recommend the tea. Though the wine has a nice bite to it."

Anieit joins Lihukshi's group.

Cylnthia nods.

Lihukshi bows to Missoni.

Missoni smiles.

Missoni curtsies to Lihukshi.

Lihukshi says, "If spreading news will create a greater urgency in the Mirror, then this is what we will do."

Xorus raises an eyebrow.

Ysaeril asks, "Apologies, what?"

Aendir chuckles.

Akenna raises an eyebrow.

You see Blade Auait Varseil.
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf.
She is very tall and has a muscled, but soft physique. She appears to be young and untried. She has mismatched smoky purple and jade green eyes and scarred pale skin. She has long, matted ashen grey hair tousled and caught in a single bone-ringed plait down her head, the sides shorn close to her tattooed scalp. She has an angular face and long, slender fingers. Dark streaks of ebony pigment create a mask across her visage.
She has an ouroboros-encircled jade pentacle inked across her throat, a tracery of yellow oleander vines encapsulating three ravens tattooed along the collarbone, and a duo of onyx-inked blades covering the inside of her forearms.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a well-oiled black leather neck sheath, a frayed stygian wool shroud caught at the right shoulder with a lor triskele, a suit of bronze-washed scalemail forged into a ribcage with a side-buckled halter of knotted leather ropes underneath, some knuckle-cut gloves crafted from strips of snakeskin, some fettered dark buckskin trousers covered in chitinous pieces of jet, and a pair of calf-high onyx leather boots reinforced in thin bronze plates.

(Note: This is a plot hole. Auait's surname was changed later to Daesavreh.)

Meril says, "The others here have better courtesies, but as a master of the healer's guild here, I should like to know first if the city is in any danger."

Akenna slowly extends her hand and flicks her vert satin fan closed in one smooth, fluid motion -- allowing the small smile playing upon her lips to be seen once again.

Speaking to Lihukshi, Teveriel says, "You do have our collective ears."

Meril cocks her head.

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Lihukshi nods.

Tikba turns to face Lihukshi.

Jaysehn folds his hands behind his back.

Missoni admits, "I am dreadfully curious."

Cylnthia turns an inquisitive ear toward Lihukshi.

Lihukshi says, "We became aware of a human sorcerer and his Faendryl wife some two months back."

Lihukshi says, "Nothing major."

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Missoni looks thoughtfully at Lihukshi.

Lihukshi says, "Minor disturbances."

Anieit gives a sidelong glance at Lihukshi.

Akenna shifts her weight.

Speaking quietly to himself, Perigourd says, "That sounds almost familiar."

Tikba politely inquires, "Disturbances?"

Speaking amusedly to Perigourd, Missoni says, "Not quite."

Perigourd nods at Missoni.

Lihukshi says, "Yes."

Jiarine asks, "Where did these disturbances take place?"

Alanisse walks onto the lawn from the direction of the United Bank of City-States.

Lihukshi says, "They started in the southern port of Behizet."

Speaking in Elven, Cylnthia ponders, "Hrm."

Missoni smiles at Alanisse.

Salcy looks thoughtfully at Lihukshi.

Alanisse inclines her head.

Anieit says, "We have tracked them a long way, however..."

Lihukshi nods at Anieit.

Teveriel thoughtfully echoes, "Behizet."

Auait nods once.

Ysaeril interrupts, "Apologies, again, where is Behizet?"

Anieit says, "Their disturbances were not limited to Behizet."

Jaysehn shrugs at Teveriel.

Speaking to Teveriel, Jaysehn says, "I don't know it."

Alanisse furrows her brow.

Lihukshi says, "The tip of the Southron Wastes."

Ysaeril nods appreciatively at Lihukshi.

Jaysehn ponders.

Jaysehn nods.

Akenna nods slowly.

Tikba mildly asks, "What did they disturb?"

Cylnthia nods slightly.

Missoni curiously asks, "What was the nature of the disturbances?"

Tikba nods at Missoni.

Anieit says, "The valences, the dead."

Perigourd frowns at Anieit.

Anieit coyly taps the sharpened blackened soulstone tip of his vaelfyren talon ring against the corner of his bottom lip, gazing out at something unseen.

Tikba nods slowly at Anieit.

Auait says, "Several small settlements reported that their ancestors rose up from the ground."

Missoni gazes with interest at Anieit.

Uniana nods in agreement at Jaysehn.

Missoni asks, "Which valance?"

Jaysehn raises an eyebrow in Auait's direction.

Aendir smirks at Auait.

Tikba gazes with interest at Auait.

Jaysehn interestedly asks, "Did they?"

Lihukshi says, "Which is what led us up the eastern coasts into the jungles."

Speaking to Jaysehn, Anieit says, "Not in the way one would wish them to."

Lihukshi says, "And certainly not for tea."

Speaking to Anieit, Aendir says, "That depends."

Aendir chuckles to himself.

Teveriel frowns at Auait.

Anieit examines Aendir closely, sizing him up and taking note of all the details.

Aendir gazes in amusement at Anieit.

Jaysehn says, "Some of that business is the work of my Order...and some isn't. I'm assuming this is the sort of thing I might have professional interest in."

Akenna dubiously says, "Does it? If I saw my ancestors coming out of the heart of the forest, I would take pause."

Teveriel reasons, "Is the one you are hunting some rogue necromancer? Or is there something more at work here?"

Lihukshi stares off into space.

Lord Aertinus just arrived.

Lihukshi stares off into space.

Aertinus nods at Lihukshi.

Uniana turns to face Aertinus.

Speaking to Teveriel, Anieit says, "One of them."

Speaking to Akenna, Aendir says, "I am curious, at the very least."

Missoni furrows her brow.

Lihukshi looks thoughtfully at Teveriel.

Akenna nods slowly at Aendir.

Lihukshi says, "There is what we have surmised and what we know for fact."

Anieit says, "The rising ancestors was the least of the troubles."

Aertinus says, "I sent word to the Keep. I am told that word will be sent to the Embassy when a decision has been made."

Teveriel nods slowly at Anieit.

Lihukshi nods at Aertinus.

Missoni muses, "Do you suppose they are moving this way for a particular reason?"

Meril says, "We have not heard of the dead rising near the city, yet. Well, not more than usual save on the high moors."

Anieit glances at Auait.

Lihukshi says, "We have been on their trail for some time. We almost caught them near Barret's Gorge."

Tikba thoughtfully asks, "They traveled from Behizet to Ta'Illistim overland?"

Jiarine asks, "What have these risen dead done once they were out so to speak?"

Missoni nods thoughtfully at Lihukshi.

Jaysehn nods slowly.

Auait quietly says, "We chased them just east of Shadowguard before we found a settlement near Mreanith Lake."

Lihukshi frowns.

Aureliano raises an eyebrow in Auait's direction.

Lihukshi says, "With impunity."

Lihukshi nods once.

Anieit says, "That settlement is where they caused the worst of their...disturbances."

Anieit gives a sidelong glance at Auait.

Jaysehn frowns.

Aertinus frowns.

Missoni furrows her brow.

Tikba nods slowly at Anieit.

Aendir cocks his head at Anieit.

Auait evenly explains, "The necromancers had summoned a vathor within the settlement."

Perigourd furrows his brow.

Xorus nods.

Jaysehn closes his eyes for a moment.

Missoni breathes in slightly.

Jaysehn shakes his head.

Aureliano clenches his jaw.

Tikba gazes with interest at Auait.

Jaysehn asks, "Intentionally?"

Teveriel narrows his eyes.

Jiarine asks, "By accident?"

Cylnthia squints.

Lihukshi watches the twins.

Jaysehn asks, "Or a mistake?"

Speaking in Elven, Cylnthia says, "Ouch."

Lihukshi nods at Jaysehn.

Speaking to Jaysehn, Lihukshi says, "Intentionally."

Akenna frowns.

Tikba interestedly asks, "A powerful one?"

Jaysehn asks, "Fate....why?"

Salcy slowly empties her lungs.

Perigourd asks, "To what purpose?"

Speaking to Tikba, Jaysehn says, "Aren't they all? Its a vathor."

Aureliano glances at Tikba.

Speaking to Jaysehn, Missoni says, "They are not all the same."

Salcy melodically says, "There is never a solid reason...."

Jaysehn nods understandingly at Missoni.

Aendir says, "That would be a rather large mistake. I do not believe there is any benign intention in summoning a vathor."

Akenna says, "Having taken down a Vathor, it takes a few who are powerful to do so... that poor settlement."

Tikba fairly emanates polite civility by way of her courteous, tempered expression.

Missoni bites her lip.

Speaking to Jiarine, Auait says, "If by accident or with intention, that creature leveled an entire settlement."

Speaking to Akenna, Anieit says, "The settlement did not fare well."

Alanisse steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

Akenna frowns at Anieit.

Speaking to Aendir, Lihukshi says, "It is if you break the binding circle."

Alanisse furrows her brow.

Tikba nods thoughtfully.

Aendir nods slowly at Lihukshi.

Speaking quietly to Anieit, Akenna asks, "I hope at least a few survived?"

Speaking in Faendryl to Alanisse, Auait says, "We had hoped to find others to aid us."

Missoni lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Auait glances at Anieit.

Lihukshi says, "They are near by... We are certain of it."

Anieit glances at Auait.

Uniana glances between Teveriel and Aureliano.

Jiarine asks, "Do you have names or their descriptions?"

Speaking to Lihukshi, Aendir asks, "You have eyes on them even now?"

Aendir studies Lihukshi, giving her an intense consideration.

Aureliano nods faintly at Uniana.

Lihukshi says, "We know they are somewhere nearby, however, I will not break or broach any treaties...."

Jaysehn ponders.

Tikba nods understandingly at Lihukshi.

Akenna nods understandingly at Lihukshi.

Speaking to Auait, Lihukshi repeats, "Any treaties."

Lihukshi says, "And hunt in Illistims backyard without permission."

Tikba says, "Thus you hope to speak with the Argent Mirror."

Anieit nods at Lihukshi.

Lihukshi nods.

Missoni nods thoughtfully.

Auait shrugs a single shoulder at Lihukshi.

Xorus says, "Indeed."

Teveriel says, "Hence seeking an audience."

Teveriel nods.

Salcy nods slowly.

Cylnthia nods in agreement at Tikba.

Teveriel says, "Wise."

Speaking in Elven, Cylnthia says, "Very wise indeed."

Ysaeril nods faintly.

Perigourd asks, "How are you tracking them?"

Speaking to Lihukshi, Akenna inquires, "In the meantime, do you have an specific details about this couple? Something that distinguishes them?"

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Jiarine asks, "They could be headed into the Hinterwilds?"

Speaking to Jiarine, Jaysehn says, "Trouble enough up there. I hope not."

Anieit says, "As I said earlier, it is in the best interest of the city-state to allow us to go hunt them, considering the havoc they have caused."

Aureliano nods in agreement at Jaysehn.

Lihukshi says, "He is older, it is hard to tell with humans but he seems wizened by elven standards."

Lihukshi glances at Anieit.

Missoni murmurs, "That does seem prudent."

Lihukshi falls silent.

Jiarine asks, "A married couple?"

Aertinus says, "It would be good to find them as the last time such a being ran rampant in the city there was considerable issues."

Perigourd furrows his brow.

Speaking to Anieit, Aureliano suggests, "We have many skilled trackers and warriors in our Nations here. Perhaps we could take up the task.."

Aendir asks, "Do you believe the armies of the City-State incapable of dispatching this threat themselves?"

Speaking to Anieit, Missoni asks, "What are you authorized to do if you should catch them?"

Perigourd cocks his head at Missoni.

Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Missoni.

Lihukshi nods at Aertinus.

Jaysehn nods in agreement at Aureliano.

Uniana carefully says, "I hardly see an outcome where you do not at least have an escort of the Sapphire Guard alongside you."

Xorus says, "Yes. Rhythus Veranthe ended with his head in a box."

Teveriel nods slightly at Uniana.

Cylnthia agrees with Uniana.

Akenna assures, "By no means would we go after them, of course. If others, citizens did, it would be prudent to give you warning and alert you, would it not?"

Alanisse places her hand on her pentacle chain.

Speaking simply to Aendir, Auait says, "We would prefer to dispatch our quarry personally."

Alanisse furrows her brow.

Aendir chuckles.

Lihukshi glances between Anieit and Auait.

Anieit says, "I have no doubt your warriors are skilled, but it seems unfair to have someone else deal with our situation."

Perigourd chuckles.

Lihukshi nods once.

Missoni's head cants to the side as she stares thoughtfully into the distance. Two thin fingertips unconsciously rub against her collarbone, her touch furrowing her richly toned, olive brown skin.

Aureliano inclines his head.

Perigourd says, "Life is rarely fair."

Ysaeril vows, "I promise not to get involved in the dispatching of others."

Uniana politely says, "If they are now so close to the Shining City, it no longer just seems like -your- situation."

Ysaeril takes a few graceful steps backward.

Alanisse nods understandingly.

Ysaeril folds her hands.

Speaking to Anieit, Akenna says, "Of course, they have caused trouble in your lands, it is only prudent they are held accountable by your people."

Aendir dryly says, "I do not understand why the Mirror would allow such an incursion upon her lands to be handled by some outside force without some cooperation."

Akenna inclines her head.

Jaysehn says, "Letting local hunters with no affiliation to great Houses might well save you the posibility of political trouble that seems to be a concern."

Tikba murmurs, "It is the Palestra's calling, after all."

Anieit glances at Auait.

Auait nods once.

Uniana nods reluctantly at Lihukshi.

Auait says, "To simply allow one to run rampant with demons is inexcusable."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Alanisse tilts her head up.

Jaysehn nods at Akenna.

Lihukshi says, "To then allow them to raise the dead..."

Cylnthia nods in agreement.

Alanisse shakes her head.

Lihukshi smacks her forehead with the palm of her hand!

Aureliano nods in agreement at Auait.

Jaysehn says, "Quite a situation."

Speaking to Auait, Lihukshi asks, "May I be blunt?"

Auait simply says, "We gave the bodies within the settlement whatever rites we could muster without losing our tracks."

Auait turns to face Lihukshi.

Tikba nods somberly at Auait.

Speaking to Lihukshi, Auait says, "Of course, cousin."

Missoni nods appreciatively at Auait.

Lihukshi nods slowly.

Salcy somberly says, "Not an easy situation, I am sure."

Speaking to Auait, Jaysehn says, "If you ended their torment, then they are free. The flesh is temporary."

Salcy nods at Lihukshi.

Lihukshi says, "Part of the concern is the manner in which they are doing things."

Aertinus frowns.

Teveriel raises an eyebrow in Lihukshi's direction.

Missoni cocks her head at Lihukshi.

Lihukshi says, "She is burning through bodies as a rapid rate, he is using the demons to deter followers."

Salcy peers quizzically at Lihukshi.

Ysaeril stares off into space.

Salcy's face turns slightly pale.

Lihukshi says, "He is old, she has many more years."

Lihukshi says, "There is the edge of desperation ot their mechanations that brings concern."

Aureliano turns an inquisitive ear toward Lihukshi.

Jaysehn asks, "Perhaps, she seeks to find a way to extend his ...given time in this world?"

Tikba surreptitiously glances between Perigourd and Missoni.

Salcy agrees with Jaysehn.

Tikba reticently smooths and straightens out the organza fabric of her surplice.

Speaking to Jaysehn, Lihukshi says, "That is unnatural."

Missoni shifts her weight.

Perigourd glances at Jaysehn.

Jaysehn says, "....yes."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Perigourd says, "Too true."

Jiarine says, "When one is facing death they would do anything to prolong it."

Xorus says, "And yet plausible, if he is human."

Missoni murmurs, "Yes."

Meril says, "The Mirror would also likely ask for some proof, as we have not yet heard of unusual happenings nearby. Though if things are as they seem we may soon enough."

Jaysehn ponders.

Lihukshi curls her hand around her scroll tube.

Speaking to Jiarine, Jaysehn says, "I do not like speculation....but the blood of Zerroth can give a life of a sort. We have seen it."

Akenna says, "I am certain she can have a scout go out to..where that settlement once was."

Lihukshi says, "She iwll have proof."

Missoni glances appraisingly at Lihukshi.

Jaysehn says, "Maybe it is north they go, after all."

Jaysehn ponders.

Auait says, "We do not want to introduce outside of the city borders, but we believe they are moving northward and cannot risk another settlement being leveled."

Auait nods at Jaysehn.

Ysaeril says, "This sounds simply dreadful. I had heard that ghostly bandits were found on the roads outside town on occasion recently. Someone mentioned it following Court."

Tikba looks at Ysaeril with concern.

Salcy ponders.

Jaysehn frowns at Ysaeril.

Ysaeril curiously asks, "How long is it estimated the have the pair been up here?"

Jaysehn says, "I will see the road patrolled for such threats, in the name of the Order."

Jaysehn nods at Ysaeril.

Uniana shivers in fear of some inner thought.

Ysaeril smiles at Jaysehn.

Teveriel gives a sidelong glance to his left.

Jaysehn whispers something to Akenna.

Missoni looks at Uniana with concern.

Anieit says, "We estimate they have a three day lead on us."

Speaking nervously to Ysaeril, Salcy says, "And I shall not return home that way."

Ysaeril nods slowly.

Salcy nods understandingly at Anieit.

Missoni frowns.

Aertinus looks towards the keep as a small page walks up and hand him a parchment.

Lihukshi tilts her gaze to the sky, her eyes narrowing as if looking for something.

Aertinus rubs a piece of parchment in his hand.

Ysaeril lightly says, "Likely not the same cause then...The ones you seek, and the ones who resurrect bandits."

Jaysehn says, "If they do head north....truly north....the way to the Hinterwilds goes through Seethe Naedal."

Teveriel nods slowly at Uniana.

Aertinus says, "The Argent Mirror has decided to grant your request for an audience."

Salcy slowly empties her lungs.

Speaking to Jaysehn, Lihukshi says, "I assure you, we will --"

Tikba nods approvingly at Aertinus.

Cylnthia nods.

Lihukshi glances at Aertinus.

Missoni lets out a sigh of relief.

Anieit glances at Aertinus.

Tikba attends to her ebon paeline cassock, making the cassock as presentable as possible.

Aertinus offers Lihukshi a piece of parchment.

Salcy smiles at Aertinus.

Lihukshi accepts Aertinus's piece of parchment.

Speaking slowly to Aertinus, Lihukshi says, "She is too kind."

Teveriel nods almost imperceptibly at Uniana.

Aertinus says, "She will arrange an audience in the Ta'Illistim Keep at four in the afternoon this Feastday."

Perigourd shrugs nonchalantly at Missoni.

Jiarine asks, "When?"

Jiarine nods.

Speaking in Elven to Aertinus, Cylnthia approves, "Swift, very excellent."

Lihukshi nods.

Salcy nods in agreement.

Speaking to Anieit, Auait murmurs, "Five days lead."

Anieit says, "That will give us time to rest. Let us hope they need the same."

Speaking to Auait, Lihukshi says, "We will find them."

Jaysehn ponders.

Aertinus says, "You will present yourself and your situation at that time. I am sure the Ambassador can verse you in our customs."

Lihukshi inclines her head.

Missoni nods thoughtfully.

Cylnthia nods slightly.

Aertinus nods.

Aertinus turns around.

Lord Aertinus just went north.

Auait glances north.

Anieit says, "We can only hope that the activities at the settlement near the lake were draining enough to slow them down."

Lihukshi nods at Anieit.

Jaysehn says, "I will ensure Seeth Nadel is watched. I know that road well. If they do mean to head that far north, I'll know."

Auait nods at Jaysehn.

Speaking in Elven, Cylnthia says, "I'm sure the Guard will make sure to watch the surrounding area, in the mean time, as well."

Tikba nods thoughtfully at Salcy.

Speaking to Teveriel, Aendir asks, "Perhaps we should attempt to discern what we may be able to view from the Aerie telescope, hm?"

Speaking to Anieit, Missoni asks, "Have they needed time to rest before?"

Aendir says, "It may be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, but worth the attempt."

Speaking to Cylnthia, Auait says, "Be on your guard, I do not think they would be so bold as to enter the city, but they must be aware of our presence."

Cylnthia nods in agreement at Auait.

Jiarine asks, "Can you describe them to us?"

Tikba nods in agreement at Uniana.

Speaking in Elven to Auait, Cylnthia says, "Indeed."

Perigourd nods knowingly at Missoni.

Speaking in Faendryl, Lihukshi asks, "Did the Harrower give you directions to the Embassy?"

Teveriel nods at Salcy.

Anieit nods.

Lihukshi nods once.

Speaking to Missoni, Anieit says, "No more than we have."

Missoni smiles.

Speaking to Jiarine, Auait says, "We have no formal descriptions, just an elder male human and perhaps an elven woman."

(Note: This is somewhat dishonest. They actually know the names and really are after Enomna for a previous crime. They also know they injured the human's leg.)

Speaking to Lihukshi, Auait asks, "Was I correct?"

Anieit says, "Everyone must rest at some time. He is not young."

Missoni nods thoughtfully at Anieit.

Lihukshi nods at Auait.

Aureliano nods thoughtfully.

Cylnthia nods.

Akenna raises an eyebrow.

Uniana calculates for a brief moment with lips pursed derisively.

Salcy appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Auait says, "They travel under disguises and through unfamiliar routes, our only hope for a full description was leveled within the settlement."

Tikba nods thoughtfully.

Jaysehn nods in agreement at Akenna.

Xorus nods.

Teveriel leans to his left slightly.

Akenna asks, "Elven or Faendryl... this woman?"

Anieit says, "Faendryl."

Xorus narrows his eyes.

Missoni lightly drums her fingers on her leg.

Meril's expression is thoughtful, but her furrowed brow indicates she's working something out for herself.

Perigourd ponders.

Speaking slowly to Anieit, Lihukshi asks, "Elves, Faendryl, once we were one. Is the distrinction so important here?"

Lihukshi scoffs.

Aendir chuckles.

Lihukshi resentfully says, "Probably."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Anieit says, "To some."

Alanisse nods in agreement at Anieit.

Missoni shifts her weight.

Speaking slowly to Lihukshi, Aendir says, "To some of us it is a highly important distinction."

Lihukshi glances at Aendir.

Meril says, "Not to everyone, but it helps narrow the description a little."

Speaking coolly to Aendir, Anieit says, "And to some of us, it is not."

Aendir smiles faintly.

Cylnthia nods in agreement at Meril.

Alanisse says, "It's most unfortunate, but it indeed is."

Speaking to Anieit, Aendir says, "That would stand to reason, yes."

Missoni looks thoughtfully at Anieit.

Akenna says, "Sorry, Faendryl have some highly discernable features, lovely features... but they are different."

Lihukshi cryptically says, "For every oliver branch, there is a hungry maw."

Tikba gazes in amusement at Lihukshi.

Salcy melodically says, "Some of us wish it were not that way, but it will help us to know their distinction."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Akenna apologizes, "I meant no offense."

Salcy nods politely.

Auait nods once at Salcy.

Akenna flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks.

Teveriel says, "... Anyroad, what we do have is a mutual interest in seeing the ones you pursue brought to justice."

Lihukshi nods at Teveriel.

Cylnthia nods.

Cylnthia agrees with Teveriel.

Anieit nods at Teveriel.

Speaking politely in Elven to Teveriel, Aureliano says, "Please excuse me for now." He smiles to both the Lord and Lady Anduin, "I need to see to the Reserves before court."

Tylanthriel nods.

Teveriel nods understandingly at Aureliano.

Speaking in Elven, Teveriel says, "I imagine we will not be far behind."

Salcy nods understandingly at Aureliano.

Uniana nods respectfully at Aureliano.

Speaking to Lihukshi, Auait says, "We should rest as well."

Cylnthia adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking in Faendryl, Anieit says, "We should go to the embassy."

Anieit nods at Auait.

Speaking in Elven to Uniana, Teveriel says, "It is nearly time."

Lihukshi says, "Agreed."

Jiarine says, "I hope someone takes notes since I will be unable to meet with the Mirror during your upcoming meeting."

Speaking to Auait, Anieit says, "Of my mind, as always, sister."

Speaking in Elven, Cylnthia says, "Indeed, I should make my way towards the Fortress as well."

Aureliano steps through the gate, passing under its arch in the direction of the Museum Alerreth.

Tikba lightly says, "On the topic of olive branches, you may wish to know the way to the Embassy."

Speaking in Faendryl, Missoni wishes, "I hope you rest well."

Perigourd ponders.

Speaking in Elven to Lihukshi, Tylanthriel says, "Thank you for the information. If you are in need of another scout, I hope to be available."

Ysaeril curtsies politely.

Tylanthriel bows to Lihukshi.

Aendir asks, "I believe there are some proper accommodations at the Embassy for you all. Perhaps someone will be willing to escort you?"

Lihukshi nods at Tylanthriel.

Ysaeril offers an awkward smile as she leaves.

Auait smiles at Anieit.

Tylanthriel bows to Auait.

Speaking in Faendryl, Xorus says, "My regards to Ambassador Tredohal. I am Lord Xorus Kul'shin. If you should need assistance with this rogue human and necromancer, I willl be available."

Tylanthriel turns sharply on his heel, reversing direction with military precision.

Lihukshi says, "Keen eyes are ever appreciated."

Speaking respectfully to Lihukshi, Salcy says, "I pray you find peaceful rest here."

Auait nods to Xorus.

Uniana sincerely says, "I hope you can all find some much needed rest. I understand the embassy is quite comfortable."

Anieit nods to Xorus.

Aendir nods in agreement at Uniana.

Jiarine asks, "Can we send you letters if we see anything unusual?"

Speaking in Faendryl to Xorus, Lihukshi says, "Well met. We will look for you and send your regards."

Xorus nods at Lihukshi.

Akenna says, "The Embassy is wonderful, really."

Speaking in Elven to Anieit, Cylnthia says, "Welcome to the Shining City, you and yours. I do hope your stay is well, and restful, and that the Mirror brings you what you are looking for."

Speaking to Jiarine, Lihukshi says, "You may."

Anieit nods appreciatively at Cylnthia.

Salcy agrees with Cylnthia.

Cylnthia nods.

Salcy smiles at Anieit.

Cylnthia curtsies.

Speaking in Elven, Cylnthia murmurs, "Pardon me, then."

Cylnthia steps through the gate, passing under its arch in the direction of the Library Aies.

Salcy curtsies to Anieit.

Missoni nods at Uniana.

Uniana nods gratefully at Missoni.

Aendir casually observes his surroundings.

Salcy curtsies to Auait.

Aendir gestures with a single hand and murmurs a phrase in the Elven tongue...

Aendir gestures.

Aendir becomes blurred, and then vanishes!

Teveriel lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Alanisse muses, "Perhaps it would be wise to spend some time here."

Lihukshi nods curtly in farewell.

Auait bows to Salcy.

Salcy agrees with Alanisse.

Lihukshi's group just went north.